letter-perfect

For a long time I have been a big fan of King Au's photography in Country Home magazine. He creates very inviting scenes in newly restyled homes, with clean lines and a kind of urban sophistication that looks achievable even for someone who didn't major in interior design.

So a few weeks ago, when we began receiving calls from across the U.S. from readers of Real Life Decorating, I was tickled to learn that King used old sign letters from Timeless Treasures in a project featured in the magazine's current issue.

Turns out that Ana Gonzales, a photo stylist working with King and his wife Ann to redecorate their San Francisco condo, spelled out three phrases for a kitchen shelf: Eat Well, Laugh Often and Make Friends. If you look closely at the photo, you can just make out the variety of letter styles she chose. You can also see an editorial blurb by writer Jill Waage that spells out how to contact us for vintage sign letters.

Since the magazine hit the newsstands, we have been fielding requests from its readers. A couple in Ohio who hunt for the letter Y in all shapes and sizes called about adding to their collection. A woman in Tennessee bought foot-high letters to spell out EAT in her newly remodeled kitchen. For a project in Texas, a woman made us all laugh with her inquiry about letters and punctuation to spell R U D-cent on a wall in her powder room.

So what's on your mind? Come and see us, or e-mail your thoughts, and we'll give it a whirl. Let's see what we can spell out for you.